Hattiesburg, Mississippi – With the installation of twinkly lights throughout downtown Hattiesburg and several merchants preparing for holiday open house festivities, city officials want to make sure all residents and visitors mark their calendars for two holiday staples – the Christmas Tree Lighting on Thursday, November 30 and Midnight on Front Street, Hattiesburg’s New Year’s Eve Celebration on Sunday, December 31. 

The tree lighting, which follows the Jaycees Annual Christmas Parade, is the official kick-off for a magical holiday season in Hattiesburg. Both the parade and tree lighting ceremony bring in a large crowd to the streets of Downtown Hattiesburg and Town Square Park. 

“While October has earned its place as the busiest and best month to be a Hattiesburger, it is clear that events planned in November and December provide seasonal magic that residents and visitors of all ages have come to know and love,” said Mayor Toby Barker.

The lighting will include live musical performances, followed by a countdown that will turn on all lights in Town Square Park including the city’s tree. Additional activities include photo opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Clause in Santa’s Village and food and beverage vendors. To conclude the night, several downtown Hattiesburg businesses will be open.

The parade will begin at 6 p.m. and the tree lighting program will begin immediately following the end of the parade, which finishes at Town Square Park. The event theme this year is “Everlasting Light.”

Thirty-one days after the City kicks off the holiday season, it will also usher out 2023 with its largest event of the year, “Midnight on Front Street.” 

“We’ve got so much to celebrate this year,” added Barker. “With a continued ‘A’ rating for our school district, more infrastructure and quality of life projects in every ward, incredible relationships with our universities and more, we look forward to everyone – residents and visitors – meeting us at Midnight on Front Street to close out 2023 with a lot of celebration and usher in an even better 2024.” 

The 2023 event, which takes place at the intersection of Front Street and Main Street in Downtown Hattiesburg, is slated to include live music, food vendors, the dropping of the iconic Hub Sign at Midnight followed by a fireworks show. DJ Kujho will be back for his fourth appearance to serve as the event’s emcee/DJ, in addition to a lineup to be announced soon. 

Additional details will be shared through November and December, but city officials and community leaders encourage all to make plans to experience this New Year’s Eve in Downtown Hattiesburg through Midnight on Front Street. The history of the Hub Sign, schedules and plans will be accessible at hburgnye.com.

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